Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla would be ideal Barcelona signing, says Xavi

Barcelona ace Xavi is back to his old tricks in the transfer market, picking out Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla as the number one player he’d like to bring to the Nou Camp.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who was key to the Barca propaganda machine which prized Cesc Fabregas away from the Emirates in 2011, has wasted no time in talking up Cazorla after the Gunners playmaker starred in the recent 2-0 win at Manchester City.

The former Villarreal man has been attracting widespread praise for his increasing influence in Arsenal’s first-team, and now Xavi has spoken of his desire to team up with his fellow Spaniard at the Nou Camp.

Speaking at an event for Spanish dentist agency Dentix, Xavi said: ‘There is some great Spanish football talent around. Who would I sign for Barcelona? [David] Silva and Cazorla.’

The Gunners’ star, 30, is under contract at the Emirates until 2016, meaning Arsenal would be susceptible to a summer bid for their in-form playmaker should a new long-term contract not be agreed.

However, Barca will be officially restricted from making any move until January 2016 when their transfer ban is lifted.